Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Collaboration

Runner - Up: Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande with Bang Bang

Three powerful, talented and successful women coming together to make a song is pretty much unheard of, so Bang Bang brought a welcome change to the music industry. Ari and Jessie's vocals are on point and Nicki adds a flare of fun and attitude to the song. Although it is overplayed at this point, I remember my first time hearing it and being really impressed with the melody and promiscuous yet commercially sell-able lyrics.

Winner : Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj with Flawless Remix

It's a double whammy for Nicki as she features on both the runner up and winning track proving that maybe it is her presence on a track that brings it to life.

Undoubtedly, these are the two best females in music at the moment and when they came together for this remix it had everyone talking. The lyrics are both witty and clever and Beyonce proves she can not only sing but she has learnt a thing or two from her hubby about rapping.

The original song was amazing but this remix takes it to the next level.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Female Artist

Runner Up : Ariana Grande

It has been another great year for the 21 year old who dominated the charts with some of the biggest singles of 2014. Problem, Break Free and her feature on Bang Bang has made her a household name as well as her outstanding voice and her relationship with Big Sean.

Winner : Beyonce

There was no doubt that Queen Beyonce won all elements of 2014. From the very start of the year she broke records and made headlines with her self-titled album that produced success after success including Drunk In Love and Flawless. Her On The Run tour with Jay-Z raked in the cash and her performances at the AMA's and the Grammy's made award season worth watching.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Male Artist

Runner-Up : Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has had a couple of great years after becoming a big name star in America and a 'national treasure' in the UK. It is well deserved as Ed has undeniable talent as a musician and his song writing skills have created some of the most powerful love songs ever.

This year his collaboration with Pharrell brought us Sing and his solo efforts delivered a hugely successful and well constructed album with other brilliant singles such as Thinking Out Loud and Don't.

Winner : Chris Brown

Personally, it hasn't been a great year for Chris who went to prison, broke up/got back together/broke up with his ex (i think) girlfriend Karreuche and had many public spats with fellow artists such as Drake and Tamar Braxton.

But if we put his personal life aside, Chris Brown has had a very strong and successful year in the music industry. He has, in fact, had a great year musically almost every year since his debut single Run It eight years ago.

His album may not have been his best but it has produced hit after hit such as New Flame and Loyal and he is on all of the biggest collaborations. You can't deny the boy is talented and doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best New Artist

Runner Up : Tinashe

This year has been the breakout year for Tinashe who was a virtually unknown singer 12 months ago. But she burst onto the scene at the start of the year with her commercially successful club track 2 On and became an Instagram favourite. 

Her album was a pleasant surprise because it sounded nothing like her debut single, which is a fun and catchy song, but her album provided more depth and creativity that showcased her talents as both a singer and songwriter. Tinashe is definitely not just another pretty faced popstar trying her luck at music - she is a real talent and I have a feeling she will really rise in 2015.

Winner : Jhene Aiko

It has been a long road for the singer/songwriter Jhene Aiko who was only really known as a feature artist on Drake songs up until this past year. After many critically acclaimed mixtapes, Jhene finally gave us an album and she didn't disappoint.

It remained true to her soulful and emotional sound and didn't try to tap in to any mainstream success which is what made it even more enjoyable. It was real and honest and different - it shone amongst an industry filled with autotune and sell outs. 

She has made a name for herself internationally and I cannot wait to see what the new year brings, hopefully a follow up album.

Has Hip-Hop Fallen Victim To White Privilege?

Iggy Azalea

Last week Harlem rapper Azealia Banks went on the Hot 97 morning show and spent near enough the whole 40 minutes talking about her feelings towards Iggy Azalea and that state of hip hop music today. She cried, she ranted and she struck up a very heated debate, specifically aimed towards Iggy, amongst rappers and hip hop fans that has dominated media news and twitter for the past week.
J.Cole, Will.I.Am, Q-tip, T.I, Solange Knowles, Lupe Fiasco and many more have all had something to say on the matter, as do I.

This whole Azealia Banks/Iggy Azalea fued started many years ago before either of them were charting on Billboard or circulating on the radio. Many believe it isn't just a coincidence that they share the same name. Iggy is accused of taking Azealia's name to fire up her rap career and considering she debuted a little after Banks it could have some truth to it.
But it was a questionable lyric in one of Iggy's Youtube videos that got Azealia all riled up and I don't particularly blame her. I know rap is all about controversy and playing on words but for Iggy to call herself a 'runaway slave master' wasn't all that impressive. Now I don't know Iggy personally but I would be very shocked if I found out that she is racist in anyway.
However, Azealia was offended, and rightly so, she called her out on it and from that day forward the girls have not had a kind word to say about each other.

Azealia Banks

I believe that there is more than a hint of bitterness in Azealia's hatred towards Iggy because the two girls started around the same time and their around the same age but Iggy is the only one getting number one singles and Grammy nominations when Azealia is far more talented than the Australian rapper. So race aside, there was always going to be some jealousy on Azealia's part.
But throw in the fact that Iggy is white and born in Australia, it rubs a whole lot more salt in the wound because, as Azealia has stated many a time, Iggy is not what hip hop culture is about and she is taking that away from black people.

Now I can completely understand and appreciate Azealia's argument as I was one of the many hip hop fans who was deeply frustrated when Macklemore stole a Grammy from Kendrick last year. It would be equally upsetting if Iggy walks away with Grammy's that she doesn't deserve over some really talented rappers/artists.
I am not saying that Iggy isn't talented because she is a great popstar but just because she 'raps' it does not make her a rapper or a hip hop artist. Her music, by definition, is commercially successful pop music so, by definition, she should be competing with the Taylor Swifts and Katy Perrys certainly not the Nicki Minajs and Azealia Banks.
Iggy may be a hip hop fan and appreciate the culture but she is not technically a part of it based on her debut album filled with everything but inspiring, original hip-hop music.
I know people often bring Eminem into this argument. Why is he accepted? Why does he get a pass? Well, to put it simply, because he is one of the best rappers and lyricists of all time regardless of his skin colour. Besides, he was raised within the culture, competing in rap battles and such, he is not appropriating black culture. Whereas, Iggy gets all of this flack because she is from a white privileged background and she isn't all that great of a rapper. If Iggy was making great hip-hop music and writing high quality lyrics then I doubt that this debate would have ever happened because we would have to give her credit and respect for being amazingly talented just like we do for Eminem and Justin Timberlake. We don't even really consider the colour of their skin even though they compete in genres built and dominated by black people because they are great at what they do and musicians respect other great musicians. Unfortunately Iggy is not a talented artist within the genre mainstream society have placed her in.
That being said, Iggy has never claimed to be a hip-hop star and it isn't her fault that she is put in these categories for awards and then wins them. Just as Macklemore shouldn't get the blame for winning the Grammy.

So, on the one hand, I strongly agree with the point that Azealia is making; HOWEVER, why is this all being put on Iggy's shoulders.
At the end of the day, she is just a 24 year old musician trying to make some money by following her dream and all of a sudden she is at the centre of a race row.
One white woman is not going to erase the decades of history hip-hop has engraved in music culture and she is certainly not trying to do that either - well, at least not consciously.
I am hard pressed to believe that when Iggy moved to America all them years ago her aim was to change the face of hip-hop music by making it a 'white thing'. I am sure she is aware of the challenges she would face because of her race and I am sure she wanted to open a few doors for other aspiring white rappers. But she not only seems to embrace the black culture, she has unarguably introduced it to a new audience.

So all in all, Azealia Banks makes some great points and I was glad to see that she was so passionate about the issue she calls 'cultural smudging'. She has sparked an interesting debate that I have found to be both educational and thought-provoking. But can we please see the conversation, and that same passion, being aimed at everything else that demeans the black race and our culture, which isn't necessarily Iggy Azalea.
J.Cole sums it up best on a line from his latest album. On the song Fire Squad, J raps 'watch Iggy win a Grammy as I try to crack a smile' which is most definitely a premonition based on last years awards season. He quickly follows this lyric with 'I'm just playing' but then backtracks once again by stating that there is some truth in every joke. J.Cole's sentiment is the exact same as mine - if I am right in assuming I understand how he feels about the topic based on these lyrics.
Yes, it is annoying, frustrating and upsetting to watch pop artists, who just so happen to rap, win awards and accolades ahead of real, talented and authentic hip hop artists. It must be even more blood-boiling when you are that artist losing out seemingly based on white privilege.
But I am not going to get worked up to the point of twitter ranting and publicly crying over a few white people who rap with successful music careers because there are far more important issues I can be concerning myself with.
Instead of complaining about Iggy, why don't we keep our focus and attention on the cases of Eric Garner and Mike Brown.
Instead of debating Grammy awards, why don't we discuss the issue of inequality in the prison system and the prejudice in the educational system.
Maybe if we addressed the more concerning, life-threatening issues that black people all over the world face every day, our worries about great black artists being underrated and the hip hop culture being 'erased' won't exist anymore.

New Video | The Pinkprint Movie

To celebrate the release of her third album The Pinkprint, which is set to be a huge success, Nicki made a 16 minute long 'short movie' featuring a few tracks from the album.
I suppose I was expecting a massive production, a bit of choreography, some epic costumes and full-scale production with a mix of uptempo songs and ballads, and that would have been entertaining and fun and very Nicki. However, she took a different and equally interesting route and decided to put together three music videos that all told one story.
She used her three big ballads The Crying Game, I Lied and Grand Piano as the soundtrack to the story which seems to be heavily based on her own tumultuous and recently deceased relationship with Safaree.
Nicki proves she has acting chops throughout this emotional video, alongside the likes of Boris Kodjoe, and keeps the extravagance to a minimum which makes a welcome change.
It may not be to everyone's tastes and I am sure some will be disappointed in the lack of clarity and conclusion but you can't deny that this does somewhat sell the album.

Album Review | J. Cole '2014 Forest Hills Drive'

I may be a little late with this one as J. Cole released his kind of unexpected album a little over a week ago but I only just got around to listening to it after hearing rave reviews.
As always J. Cole is reflective, honest and poignant in his discussion of everything from losing his virginity to role models in the industry to appreciating your life. J is really on top form with this album which strays away from commercial success as there are no songs which jump out to be as being 'for the radio' like his biggest hit Work Out. 
This album is obviously less about making money and scoring a number one, and more about allowing J to open up about current issues and things he wants to get off his chest.
He is unapologetic in his opinion on the appropriation of black culture in Fire Squad and vulnerable in the moments where he discusses family matters and his role as a step-father on songs like Apparently and Hello. But, above everything, he is proving himself to be a real contender in the battle for the hip hop crown.

Album Highlight: Apparently and G.O.M.D.
Rating : 4/5

Album Review | Nicki Minaj 'The Pinkprint' (Deluxe Version)

Nicki has been teasing us with this hotly anticipated third album for months after pushing the date back and leaking a couple of tracks.

But now The Pinkprint is finally here and it seems to be worth the wait with an extensive 22 song tracklist and collaborations with the likes of Ariana Grande, Meek Mill and the Queen herself, Beyonce.

Here is my track-by-track review of the album which is released on Monday 15th December...

1. All Things Go

As opening tracks go, this one is quite strong even though it is a slow burner. Nicki is very reflective and honest on this song as she raps about her family and herself, including the fact that she was pregnant sixteen years ago and that she wants to have another child in the next three years.
It is always welcoming to hear the softer side of Nicki and All Things Go is a well executed attempt at that.

2. I Lied

This is a definite favourite of mine and took that spot from the very first listen. Once again, it is a slow track and explores Nicki's vulnerability as she admits that she fears letting herself be honest and fall in love with a guy because he might hurt her. It is a sentiment all women can relate to at one point or another.
This song is also the first time we hear Nicki's vocals so clearly and they sound really strong and emotional, particularly the chorus as there is something haunting about the way Nicki sings 'I lied'.

3. The Crying Game feat. Jessie Ware

The Crying Game is quite a different sound for Nicki and brings us an unexpected collaboration with Jessie Ware whose vocals are stunning on this track. Although this song doesn't immediately jump out at you, on my third listen I realised just how good of a song it really is - not a standout track but still one of the better ones.
The production, particularly on the verses, is pleasant to the ear and I would have preferred this as a single over Bed Of Lies.

4. Get On Your Knees feat. Ariana Grande

You already know what to expect from the title of the song. A very sexy and lyrically explicit song, which is always hard to buy into when coming from Ariana Grande, but not overtly sexual compared to some of Nicki's previous songs.
This track is a guilty pleasure of mine as there is something quite fun and catchy about it especially when it gets to the chorus. This song would work well as a single but maybe it is too risqué for radio.

5. Feeling Myself feat. Beyonce

I had very high expectations for this song, as does everyone else probably, because it is a Nicki and Beyonce collaboration - two of the best females at what they do.
Nicki's lyrics and flow are strong on this song in terms of being playful (for example, her closing line) and the production is quite genius. It is the first time on the album that we hear a Nicki we can instantly recognise, with her voices and multi-layered persona. Beyonce adds a certain presence and brings attitude to the song that couldn't have been matched by anyone else.
I wouldn't say this song was a let-down, because if I hadn't known about it before listening to the album I would be pleased with the outcome, but I expected something with a bit more of a lasting impact.

6. Only feat. Drake, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne

The current single that I am sure you have already heard by now - check out the video which I posted earlier this week. I am a fan of this song and if I hadn't heard it before the album dropped then it would have immediately stood out as an album highlight. It is Nicki's strongest song lyrically and with all that star power on one track it was bound to be a hit.

In the context of the album, Only really keeps the momentum of the first five songs going yet starts to tease a heavier hip-hop sound that we haven't heard so far.

7. Want Some More

If the title of this song is a question, then the answer is 'no, thank you'.
I thought I was really going to like this song based on the first 40 seconds but then, just as quickly, it began to irritate me. Nicki's flow is supposed to be playful but it irks me on this song and the chorus is just as annoying. It is disappointing because this song had potential to be the start of the hip-hop sound that Nicki had promised fans on this album.

8. Four Door Aventador

The beat and production, particularly on the chorus, reminds me so much of late 90's/early 00's female rap like Lil' Kim and Missy Elliot. It is one of the more understated songs and seems to be over before it has really started but it is enjoyable.
It also delivers hints of mixtape Nicki, which is always a very good thing, and I wish there was more music like this on the album.

9. Favorite feat. Jeremih

Unfortunately, as much as I tried to like this song, there was something not quite right with it and I'm not sure whether it is the lacklustre production or Jeremih. Don't get me wrong, he is a great artist but he misses the mark on this song and makes little impact leaving me thinking it may have been better suited for Trey or August.

Nicki delivers everything she should on the verses even with a dull and underproduced beat underneath her. But, if this song was hoping to be the next Right By My Side then it has failed miserably.

10. Buy A Heart feat. Meek Mill

I actually really enjoy this song as it delivers on every aspect - the beat is good as is the production and Meek's opening verse. 

The song has three different layers to it as the melody changes from the opening to the mid-section to the very final few seconds and it pulls that off well without sounding all over the place (unlike Want Some More). It isn't strong enough to be a single and gets lost amongst some of the bigger, more impactful songs but it is a subtle gem.

11.Trini Dem Girls feat. Lunchmoney Lewis

I expected this to be Nicki's mandatory dancehall-inspired track, which are usually high energy, catchy, standout songs on her album. Unfortunately, this song doesn't quite stick with me. The chorus gives the song potential but that gets ruined on the watered down verses and hook that make this sound way too pop. I wish there had been an authentic Caribbean sound and Nicki had thrown in her Trini accent for good measure.

12. Anaconda

I have never been a fan of this song and, wedged right in the middle of this album, it doesn't belong at all. I was hoping this was just a bit of fun and Nicki would keep it off the album or just throw it on as a bonus track but it takes centre stage where it falls completely flat and feels totally out of place.

I can see the humour and it would probably be a dance floor filler at a club filled with drunk people but, as a serious rapper and artist, Nicki can surely see why this is more suited on previous albums.

13. The Night Is Still Young

This is by far my least favourite song on the album and possibly my least favourite Nicki song ever. This is the commercial, cheesy pop music that I thought Nicki was steering clear of on this album and  yet it makes an unwelcome appearance.
There is nothing redeeming about this track which sounds like a Katy Perry reject song.

14. Pills and Potions

Although this single didn't do so well commercially, and seemed to disappoint critics and some fans, I enjoyed this song and still do.

As I said earlier, it is always nice to hear the softer side of Ms. Minaj and even if the chorus leaves much to be desired lyrically, you can't deny that it is catchy and you'll probably have it playing in the aftermath of a break-up.

15. Bed of Lies feat. Skylar Grey

I was so disappointed in this as a single with its sub-par, metaphorical chorus and boring piano melody. I lose interest in a matter of seconds and maybe that is partially to do with the fact that I am not much of a Skylar Grey fan either. 

16. Grand Piano

The first and only track where Nicki solely sings, which may not go down well with hardcore hip-hop fans, but I like the sentiment behind the song. The orchestral elements are stunning but I can't help but imagine how perfect the song would have sounded with a vocalist like Ariana Grande or Beyonce.
It isn't that Nicki can't sing but when handed a ballad such as this maybe she should stick to what she does best.

17. Big Daddy feat. Meek Mill

I am still unsure with this song because up until I played it in the car last night, I really didn't like it. This may mean that it is best listened to on loud speakers at full volume.
Nicki is back to her feisty rap alter ego and delivers confident verses with Meek executing a standard catchy hook that is borderline annoying.
There is nothing that stands out about this song apart from the beat which may have worked better with an artist like French or Rick Ross as I feel like a second appearance from Meek wasn't all the way necessary.

18. Shanghai

I am not a huge fan of the production for this song, which we have Yung Berg to thank for, because it is trying too hard to be innovative and exciting but it didn't hit the spot for me. Having said that, I like everything else about the song especially Nicki's flow and diction but it doesn't have the same effect that it would have with a stronger beat.

19. Win Again

Another boring, irrelevant song that is underproduced and delivers a repetitive and irritating chorus and not much else. This song is instantly forgettable.

20. Mona Lisa

The first and only song on the album that successfully brings us something different. Nicki experiments on Mona Lisa with a slightly trippy sound, which I enjoy hearing in hip-hop music. I could have done with a little less production on the vocals and it may have been interesting to have a melody change towards the end; however, it is still an interesting song.

21. Put You In A Room

I love the lyrics in this song, it makes a nice change from Nicki's usual provocative and playful verses. Although it is never made clear whether Nicki is addressing a person or a mental struggle, it still hits quite hard. It does get a little stale as the song goes on which makes it understandable as to why it's one of the shorter tracks on the album.

22. Truffle Butter feat. Drake and Lil Wayne

This is by far my favourite song on the album so its unfortunate that it comes as a bonus track and the last one at that.
It samples a 2010 house anthem by Maya Jane Cole which is the highlight of the song. It also showcases Nicki, Drake and Lil Wayne at their best - all starting their verse with 'thinking out loud' implying that a freestyle follows, and if so, then that is where they work well together.
This would make a great single and an even better club song.

So my overall opinion of the album isn't so great after all the hype Nicki has put around it. She promised she would go back to her mixtape sound that we all fell in love with and teased that with tracks like Lookin' Ass N***a and Boss Ass Bitch (Remix) but this album does not fulfil that promise.
Although Nicki plays around with voices and accents far less, which is a massive improvement, she replaces them with reflective ballads and boring melodies.
I am disappointed that on a 22 track album there are only ten tracks I like and only four of those that I love. There are some great collaborations and potential singles and Nicki as a rapper, particularly lyrically, is amazing but I was expecting a lot more from this album.
Rating: 2/5

New Video : Jhene Aiko

Jhene's album was one of the best this year and I would love a visual for every single song so I was very happy yesterday when she released a video for Wading. 
I am no 100% sure I grasp the deeper meaning of the video or the connection it has to the lyrics in the song but I still enjoyed it. In simple terms, Jhene plays a dancer in a seedy bar (and looks gorgeous whilst doing it) where a strange guy drops a pill into her drink. Before she has a chance to drink it another strange man interrupts and the two men begin a very choreographed martial arts fight until the SWAT storm into the club and then things get even more violent.
As always, Jhene delivers an entertaining visual and although, at first, it was shocking to see Jhene writhing sexily against a wall and scantily-clad at least there is a solid reason behind it.

New Video | Only by Nicki Minaj feat. Chris Brown, Drake and Lil Wayne

After a controversial lyric video, Nicki Minaj has released the official video for her new single Only and it is far from what I expected.
A typical Nicki video is quirky, fun and entertaining but this one takes a much darker turn from the outset with bloodied and beaten bodies and a dangerous setting. It has no connection with the actual lyrics of the song and has no plot or meaning that I can find.
The only positive is that Nicki looks amazing as usual. Fortunately, the disappointing video doesn't make the song any less great.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards

What now is my end of year tradition, I have taken a look back at the year of music and shortlisted those that stood out in 8 categories.

The winner and runner-up of each category will be announced from Boxing Day up until New Years Eve.

Best New Artist

Jhene Aiko

Tinashe

Mila J

Ella Eyre
Bobby Shmurda

Best Male Artist

Chris Brown

Ed Sheeran

Usher

August Alsina

Pharrell Williams

Best Female Artist

Ariana Grande

Nicki Minaj

Beyonce

Iggy Azalea
Jennifer Lopez

Best Collaboration

Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang

Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj - Flawless Remix
Chris Brown feat. Usher - New Flame
Katy Perry feat. Juicy J - Dark Horse
Beyonce feat. Jay Z - Drunk In Love

Best Music Video

Iggy Azalea - Fancy

Beyonce - XO

Jhene Aiko - The Worst

Tinashe - Pretend

Chris Brown - Loyal

Best Live Performance

Beyonce Medley at VMA's
Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons Grammy's
Jennifer Lopez and Iggy AMA'S
Jessie J, Ariana and Nicki AMA'S
Beyonce and Jay Z Grammy's

Best Song

Ed Sheeran - Sing

Beyonce - Drunk In Love

Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang

Iggy Azalea - Fancy

Chris Brown - Loyal

Best Album

Ariana Grande - My Everything

Chris Brown - X

Tinashe - Aquarius

Jhene Aiko - Souled Out

Teyana Taylor - VII

Introducing || Rochelle Jordan

With new female artists being an ongoing theme of success this year (I mean just look at Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Tinashe, Ella Henderson and Jhene Aiko) it is going to be tough for another female to bring it in 2015.
But Rochelle Jordan (ROJO) seems to be rising to the challenge of making a name for herself in the r'n'b music industry.
She has been making moves for a while with a 2011 EP and opening for Jessie Ware on tour in 2013 but now the Canadian born singer/songwriter is stepping out having just dropped her debut album 1021 this week...and it's a goodun'.
There is something very reminiscent of Aaliyah in her sound which is something this generation of music is missing, so let's see what she can bring in the new year.

New Music : Teairra Marie

Aside from her current stint on Love and Hip Hop Hollywood, Teairra Marie has been on the quiet side these past few years. But, as you may have seen on the show, she is ready to get back to her music and after a studio session with Yung Berg, she has graced us with a new track called Deserve. 
TT sounds as good as she always has and the song is decent and quite catchy but it isn't good enough to make her stand out from the other female artists flying the flag at the moment.
Teairra has attitude and a fire that makes her original and if it can translate into her music along with that voice then she could really spark a brand new music career.
Having said that, this song is a nice starting point as a showcase for her talent.

New Video : Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani is most definitely back and she has a new music video for her single Spark The Fire. She has teamed up with super producer Pharrell Williams to create the energetic number that reminds me a little of Wind It Up, only more repetitive and less catchy.
The video is fun too with its cartoon element and Gwen looking hot as always.